Though he was only associated with the world’s biggest wrestling company for a relatively brief amount of time, Tommy “Dynamite Kid” Billington’s talent and roots spanning from his native England to Stu Hart’s Dungeon to Japan made his impact on the business a large one. As such, reflections on Billington’s passing are coming in from all around the industry today (Dec. 5). Here are some of the many to hit shortly after the news of his death came out:
WWE’s official statement is here.
It deeply saddens me to announce the passing of Tom Billington the “Dynamite Kid.” I was really happy and glad I got to see Dynamite one last time last June in the UK. ❤️ . Dynamite was certainly an inspiration to myself and many others and really revolutionized pic.twitter.com/req7CWTdxm
— Davey Boy Smith Jr. (@DBSmithjr) December 5, 2018
It's with great sadness I have to inform you all that THE "DYNAMITE KID" TOMMY BILLINGTON ON HIS BIRTHDAY HAS PASSED AWAY.. A TRUE BRITISH AMBASSADOR FOR WRESTLING WORLDWIDE RIP "KID' CONDOLENCES TO MARK & HIS FAMILY MARTY JONES pic.twitter.com/TRYbBTpTgf
— Marty Jones (@martyleglockno1) December 5, 2018
EXCELLENT WORKER INSIDE THE RING. TOUGH MAN OUTSIDE. GOD BLESS THE DYNAMITE KID pic.twitter.com/WWObV2gKE0
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) December 5, 2018
Sad to hear that Dynamite Kid has passed away! RIP Brother!
— Brutus Beefcake (@brutusbeefcake_) December 5, 2018
Every wrestler under 200lbs likely owes a debt of gratitude to The Dynamite Kid. He inspired so many and help change the sport. In the ring he was incredible. The only wrestling T Shirt I ever purchased was a British Bulldogs shirt, which I wore to WrestleMania IV #RIP
— Lance Storm (@LanceStorm) December 5, 2018
I heard news that Tommy Billington also know as the Dynamite Kid has passed away.
— ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) December 5, 2018
Thank you for all the work you’ve done for our country and inspiring so many wrestlers to take a chance on themselves.
RIP Dynamite Kid. pic.twitter.com/yzQ74Swhhz
Damn.. RIP Dynamite Kid #BritishBulldogs pic.twitter.com/8TSgUZ6khD
— PAIGE (@RealPaigeWWE) December 5, 2018
RIP Dynamite Kid. One of the best to every come from these islands.
— Jim Smallman (@jimsmallman) December 5, 2018
Everyone take seventeen minutes of your life to watch the man in action in his prime. https://t.co/Ob83Bqq9Lj
Saddened to hear about the passing of Dynamite Kid. There was a time I watched every Dynamite match I could get my hands on including this tribute video countless times. Despite many attempts of re-creating his magic I would never come close. https://t.co/OzLSl4JCW7 via @YouTube
— Kyle O'Reilly (@KORcombat) December 5, 2018
RIP Dynamite Kid (Tom Billington). One of my first favorites. One of the first to make me realize that amongst the larger than life “wrestling characters” in the 80’s, there were straight up incredibly athletic wrestlers. A true game changer in every sense of the word. God speed.
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) December 5, 2018
Watch as many Dynamite Kid matches as possible today, particularly his matches w/ Tiger Mask. He was before his time, as influential as any professional wrestler in the last 40 years. RIP Dynamite https://t.co/z19Pmk5CAZ pic.twitter.com/2KjWRidSUc
— KASSIUS (KASH-US) (@KassiusOhno) December 5, 2018
I grew up watching him tear the house down weekly on the Stampede Wrestling tv show.He was one of my favourite in ring performers,especially his matches with Satoru Sayama aka the original Tiger Mask in Japan. RIP Tommy ‘’Dynamite Kid’’ Billington. #ProWrestling #DynamiteKid pic.twitter.com/JtdgyI9sOW
— Mauro Ranallo (@mauroranallo) December 5, 2018
The British Bulldogs vs Hart Foundation, to this day, are some of our favorite tag matches to watch.
— Singh Brothers (@SinghBrosWWE) December 5, 2018
The Dynamite Kid influenced so many of us who competed in the CWC tournament.
He broke down barriers & the set the bar so high. #RIPDynamiteKid
Gutted to hear about the passing of one of my hero’s and biggest inspirations. RIP Dynamite Kid, Tommy Billington. pic.twitter.com/knQuwNOZKQ
— Tyler Bate (@Tyler_Bate) December 5, 2018
One of the most important pioneers the wrestling world has ever had, a true worker who was years ahead of his time and someone who inspired so many wrestlers and will for generations to come. Rest In Peace Dynamite Kid. #DynamiteKid
— El Ligero (@Ligero1) December 5, 2018
Pioneer, trailblazer, pure dynamite. Your work will always stand the test of time. #DynamiteKid pic.twitter.com/WZwFW8Ah4A
— Dave Mastiff (@DaveMastiff) December 5, 2018
Gutted to hear about the passing of ‘The Dynamite Kid’ .
— Johnny Moss (@Johnny_Moss) December 5, 2018
I like many others, would try to emulate him...I failed obviously as there could only be one!
I’m proud to own one of the last pairs of boots worn by Tommy!
My thoughts go to Mark Billington and the family. #RIPDynamite pic.twitter.com/VOjoEztenl
The NWA sends its deepest condolences and sympathies to the family, friends and wrestling fans of The Dynamite Kid. #RIPDynamiteKid pic.twitter.com/ZN2WRbKoJJ
— NWA (@nwa) December 5, 2018
The British Bulldogs were the first team to really make me a fan.
— David Lagana (@Lagana) December 5, 2018
To make me care if they won or lost.
RIP Dynamite Kid. pic.twitter.com/aCUta9Z6b7
Thoughts and prayers to all the family and friends of Tom “Dynamite Kid” Billington ... a true in-ring pioneer in the professional wrestling industry... RIP...
— Jeff Jarrett (@RealJeffJarrett) December 5, 2018
The Dynamite Kid was a before his time in ring wrestler
— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) December 5, 2018
1982 I saw him vs Tiger Mask at @TheGarden & knew he was different#BritishBulldogs were 1 of my favorite tag teams as a kid pic.twitter.com/jX6WyQUxHh
One of the most athletic, intense & spectacular wrestlers ever. Game-changer wrestler, LEGEND. #DynamiteKid RIP
— TAZ (@OfficialTAZ) December 5, 2018
#RIPDynamiteKid
— IPW (@IPWUK) December 5, 2018
One of the greatest professional wrestlers to come from
Thoughts and prayers to his family
A personal favourite match of IPW management
Dynamite Kid vs @BretHart
Enjoy: https://t.co/xBPNvvPNZU pic.twitter.com/VGh2lY0QLf